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Claude Code (Anthropic's agentic CLI tool) was missing from the agents directory. This adds a new page covering its unique capabilities for AL development: - Terminal-native agentic execution with file system access - MCP extensibility for BC-specific tooling - CLAUDE.md project context files - Build-verify-fix loops - VS Code extension integration Also updates the index page with Claude Code in the agent listing, comparison matrix (with new Agentic Execution, MCP, Shell/Build rows), and recommendation sections. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>
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| title | linkTitle | weight | description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Coding Agents | Agents | 5 | Learn about different AI coding agents and how to use them for AL development |
Overview
AI coding agents are intelligent assistants that help you write, review, and improve AL code for Business Central. This section explains the different types of agents available and how to choose the right one for your needs.
What are AI Coding Agents?
AI coding agents are more than simple autocomplete tools. They can:
- Understand natural language instructions
- Generate complete code implementations
- Explain existing code
- Refactor and improve code quality
- Help debug issues
- Provide learning and guidance
Available Agents
Explore detailed information about each AI coding agent:
GitHub Copilot
Microsoft's AI pair programmer integrated into VS Code.
Best For:
- Inline code completion as you type
- Quick code generation
- Learning AL patterns
- Teams already using GitHub
Key Features: Real-time suggestions, multi-file context, AL-aware completions
GitHub Copilot Chat
Conversational AI assistant from GitHub with deep VS Code integration.
Best For:
- Interactive code discussions
- Code explanations and learning
- Debugging assistance
- Complex refactoring tasks
Key Features: Natural language chat, context-aware responses, inline chat
Claude (via API or Claude.ai)
Anthropic's AI assistant with strong reasoning capabilities.
Best For:
- Complex problem solving
- Detailed code analysis
- Architecture discussions
- Large codebase understanding
Key Features: Long context window, strong analytical abilities, helpful explanations
Cursor
AI-first code editor built on VS Code with integrated AI assistance.
Best For:
- All-in-one AI coding environment
- Teams wanting deep AI integration
- Multi-model AI access
- Codebase-wide AI context
Key Features: Multiple AI models, composer mode, codebase indexing, chat + autocomplete
Claude Code
Anthropic's agentic CLI tool for terminal-native development with full file system access.
Best For:
- Multi-file feature development from the terminal
- Automated bug fixing with build-verify loops
- Refactoring and test generation at scale
- MCP-extensible workflows for BC-specific tooling
Key Features: File system access, shell command execution, MCP extensibility, CLAUDE.md project context, VS Code extension, agentic multi-step execution
Comparison Matrix
| Feature | GitHub Copilot | Copilot Chat | Claude | Claude Code | Cursor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inline Completion | ✓✓✓ Excellent | Limited | N/A | N/A | ✓✓✓ Excellent |
| Chat Interface | N/A | ✓✓✓ Excellent | ✓✓✓ Excellent | ✓✓✓ Terminal | ✓✓✓ Excellent |
| AL Awareness | ✓✓ Good | ✓✓ Good | ✓ Basic | ✓✓ Good (via MCP) | ✓✓ Good |
| Code Explanation | Limited | ✓✓✓ Excellent | ✓✓✓ Excellent | ✓✓✓ Excellent | ✓✓✓ Excellent |
| VS Code Integration | ✓✓✓ Native | ✓✓✓ Native | ✗ Web/API | ✓✓ Extension | ✓✓✓ Fork |
| Context Window | Medium | Medium | ✓✓✓ Very Large | ✓✓✓ Very Large | Large |
| Multi-file Editing | Limited | Limited | Manual | ✓✓✓ Excellent | ✓✓✓ Excellent |
| Agentic Execution | N/A | Limited | N/A | ✓✓✓ Excellent | ✓✓ Good |
| MCP Extensibility | N/A | N/A | N/A | ✓✓✓ Excellent | ✓✓ Good |
| Shell/Build Access | N/A | Limited | N/A | ✓✓✓ Excellent | Limited |
| Pricing | $10-19/mo | Included | Free/Pro | $20-200/mo | $20/mo |
| Team Features | ✓✓ Good | ✓✓ Good | Limited | ✓ Basic | ✓ Basic |
Legend: ✓✓✓ Excellent | ✓✓ Good | ✓ Basic | Limited | ✗ Not Available | N/A Not Applicable
Choosing the Right Agent
For Individual Developers
Just Starting with AI? → Start with GitHub Copilot + Copilot Chat
- Easy setup
- Great VS Code integration
- Good AL support
- One subscription for both
Want Maximum AI Power? → Try Cursor
- Multiple AI models
- Strong codebase understanding
- All-in-one solution
- Advanced features
Need Deep Analysis? → Use Claude for complex tasks
- Long context for large codebases
- Excellent reasoning
- Detailed explanations
- Free tier available
Want Agentic Automation? → Use Claude Code for multi-step development
- Reads and edits files directly in your project
- Runs builds, fixes errors, iterates autonomously
- MCP servers add BC-specific intelligence
- CLAUDE.md files encode your project conventions
For Teams
Microsoft/GitHub Ecosystem? → GitHub Copilot for Business
- Centralized management
- License management
- Organization policies
- Familiar tools
Maximum Flexibility? → Cursor for Teams
- Multiple AI models
- Strong collaboration
- Advanced features
- Modern interface
Hybrid Approach? → Combine tools:
- GitHub Copilot for daily coding
- Claude for complex analysis
- Cursor for specific projects
Using Multiple Agents
Many developers use multiple agents for different tasks:
Daily Coding: GitHub Copilot (inline suggestions) Learning & Debugging: Copilot Chat or Cursor Chat Complex Problems: Claude (detailed analysis) Multi-Step Development: Claude Code (agentic file editing + build loops) Refactoring: Cursor or Claude Code (multi-file editing)
Example Workflow:
- Write code with GitHub Copilot inline suggestions
- Ask Copilot Chat to explain complex BC patterns
- Use Claude for architecture review of large features
- Use Claude Code for multi-file feature development and bug fixing
- Use Cursor for visual multi-file refactoring
Getting Started
New to AI Coding?
- Start Simple: GitHub Copilot
- Learn the Basics: Effective Prompting
- Try Examples: Getting More
- Explore Others: Try Claude or Cursor for comparison
Already Using AI?
Expand Your Toolkit:
- If using Copilot → Try Cursor for advanced features or Claude Code for agentic workflows
- If using Claude (web) → Try Claude Code for direct file editing and build automation
- If using Cursor → Use Claude Code for terminal-based agentic tasks with MCP extensibility
- If using Claude Code → Add Copilot for inline completions while typing
Common Questions
Can I use multiple agents?
Yes! Many developers use different agents for different tasks. They complement each other well.
Which is best for AL development?
GitHub Copilot has the most AL-specific training, but all agents can be effective with good prompting.
Are these expensive?
Most are $10-20/month for individual use. GitHub Copilot offers free access for students and open source maintainers.
Do I need internet?
Yes, all current AI agents require internet connectivity to function.
Will AI replace AL developers?
No. AI agents are tools to augment your capabilities, not replace your expertise and decision-making.
Privacy & Security
All agents send code to external services. Consider:
- Review your organization's AI usage policy
- Don't include sensitive data in code
- Use business/enterprise plans for better controls
- Understand each tool's data handling policies
See individual agent pages for specific privacy information.
Learning Path
- Read agent pages to understand capabilities
- Choose one to start with
- Follow setup instructions
- Practice with examples from Getting More
- Experiment with others as needed
Resources
- Setup Guide - Environment configuration
- Effective Prompting - Get better results
- Best Practices - Use AI effectively
- Limitations - Understand constraints
Questions? Join the discussion at GitHub Discussions